BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1924, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE CONSERVATIVES’ POLICY

OUTLINED liV AIR BALDWIN,

[Redteiis TELEGIIAMB.]

(.Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, October 12,

Air Baldwin ia his election maiiiJc.sto, says the task of grappling with unemployment is the primary obligation of the Conservatives. While the general tariff is no part of their programme, the Conservatives are determined to safeguard employment and the standard of living, where these are imperilled by unfair foreign competition, by applying the principle of the Safeguarding of Industries Act and analogous measures. Without such provisions the carrying out of the Dawes plan will only prove disastrous. Britain’s best hope of an industrial revival lies in the development of the resources and trade of the British Empire by measures of Imperial preference, the promotion of Empire development and Empire settlement. Indeed, the strengthening and development of tho Empire hv every possible means is the first and dominant item in the Conservatives’ policy.

AIR BALDWIN’S ELECTION A DDR ESS.

(Received this day nt 10.2,1 n.m.) LONDON, October 12.

Mr li.'i Id win, in his election address, ■says the experiment with a minroity Government proved short lived. It was a failure, hut r.uflieiently indicated what would he the character of a Socialist Government, dependent, not on the other parties, hut on its own extremists. The only way for averting such a possibility is for all desirous of the restoration of prosperity and social peace to unite in an effort to return a solid Conservative majority to support a broad national policy.

LORD BURNHAM'S VIKW. CAPETOWN, October 12. Lord Burnham, interviewed, deplored the election which, he said, would largely destroy the hope for a speedy economic recovery. The Liberals were hound to lose many seats to the Conservatives while Labour would greatimprovc its position.

ELECTION AIANIFESTOES. LONDON, Oct. 12

The manifestoes of the three parties fill columns of the Sunday papers, and tiro probably the lengthiest and wordiest doumonts on record in British elections. Though all are mainly concerned on purely domestic problems, the Conservative manifesto devotes the largest space to Imperial topics. Party moves continue to be the subject of intriguing speculation. The “Xcws of the World” states while important negotiations are proceeding between the Conservatives and Liberals for the avoidance of three cornered contests, a number of Liberals have made overtures to Labour, with a view to formal negotiation as to labour candidates in constituencies for which they are sitting. It. in notable also that prominent Liberals continue to emphasise pronouncedly their liberalism and independence, while the Conservative and Liberal manifestoes indicate distinct lines of policy. Mr Lloyd (feorge publishes a statement in' the Yorkshire “Evening News” that Liberalism is fighting for its life in this election, ft is, as usual, fighting for some middle course of true progress, against the extremes of both sides. Air Ourvin in the “Observer” says the Unionists have little elm nee of obtaining a working majority and the Liberals have no chance whatever. Under the circumstances he advocates Unionists reducing three cornered contests, to a minimum by the withdrawal of Unionist opposition to Mr Asquith, Mr Lloyd George and Mr MaoLoun. LONDON. Out. 11.

Mr Baldwin, says the British foreign |,oliev must commend itsell In tin* Doiiiiniuiis and must he conducted in the closest consultation with their (iovernnicnts. The support ol and strengthening of the Longue of Nations on practi - cal lines should he the cardinal principle of British foreign policy, suhject to the always over-riding consideration that we cannot enter into commitments involving peace or war without the concurrence of the Dominions. Ihe continuance of security by land, sea and air, was one of the first duties of any Government and>the Conservatives, if returned to power, must examine afresh the position in which the present administration, left the defence of the Umpire. . . The Conservatives must scrutinise carefully, in conjunction with the Domnions, the far-reaching committments and implications in'the scheme recently put forward at Geneva. Common jiniong oil |'iulies was desirable for the permanent solution of the agricultural problem, and all practicable steps must be taken to insure that imported foreign loudstulfs will ho sold as such. 'I he further development of the sugar heel industry and rural industries generally should receive particular consideration. "AVc are opposed to land nationalisation, the taxation of land values, and all schemes of spoliation.

HE VALERA AND ELECTIONS. (Received this day nt, 10.21 a.m.) LONDON, (let. 12.

De Valera has announced the Rcpiildicons have decided to contest the Ulster seat at tlicM-oming British elections in order to enable the people to record their votes against the partition laws or other legislation fur 1 i«»liin*l The candidates, if returned, will not sit in the English Parliament. The statement contains the usual denunciation of England, whom it charges with oxploitng Ireland m English interests.

DELEGATES RUSH home. CAPETOWN, October

The British Parliamentary delegates ■were at Victoria. Falls when they learned that a general election was pending j\ special train was placed at their disposal to rush fifteen hundred miles to catch the mail boat at Capetown where they arrived to-day and sailed this afternoon. They were astounded to learn the election was to lie held on the 29th. They will not arrive in England till the 27t1i., some having barolv time to reach their constituencies before the poll. Two remain Sir Robert Hamilton (Liberal) whoso seat is regarded as safe, and Captain Hacking (Conservative)) who was forbidden to sail for medical reasons.